A warning for parents of young children in Ridgetown. 
Public health officials say level of naturally occurring fluoride in the municipal water supply in Ridgetown has been found to be above the Maximum Allowable Concentration of 1.5 parts per million.
Increased fluoride can cause what’s called dental fluorosis in small children whose permanent teeth haven’t come in yet, causing white spots on their teeth.
Parents are advised to do what they can to limit any other fluoride exposure for young kids.
- Use non-fluoridated toothpaste or no toothpaste for young children. Where fluoridated toothpaste is used, ensure that children use no more than a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush and teach them not to swallow the toothpaste. It is recommended that children under six years of age be supervised while brushing. Children under the age of three should have their teeth brushed by an adult without using any toothpaste.
- Do not use mouthwash or mouth rinses which contain fluoride. (Check the label)
- Do not use fluoride supplements unless advised to do so by your dentist.
- Consider using non-fluoridated, bottled water for drinking, cooking and mixing 100% frozen fruit juices.
- Where baby formula is used mix with non-fluoridated water.
- If you are on a well water supply in the Ridgetown rural area, have your well water analyzed to determine the fluoride level.
